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Wow! What an interesting day.
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What a tragic day.
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Wow, I can't believe all this. Now what? Were there other charges being investigated in relation to other estates that will now be forgotten?
Is it true Gov. Ryan will be asked to pardon this prisoner?
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I think the Toledo Democrat News On-Line is the best Idea since multiple Aliases!! Wonderful!!
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Saturday, January 4, 2003 News Gazette..Page A-4 Article by Jim Dey.
A short excerpt from a long article
The criminal charge to which Cochonour pleaded guilty was very carefully tailored to exclude the period of time when Cochonour was a judge. He pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing more than $126,000 over a five-year period, from May 1985 to November 1990. That narrowly missed the period when Cochonour left his law practice to become a circuit judge and required Cochonour to waive the statute of limitations that otherwise would have applied. Cochonour is currently receiving a judicial pension in excess of $6,000 per month. The decision to exclude criminal conduct while a judge could help shield Cochonour from efforts to strip him of his pension- a common practice for public officials convicted in corruption cases. Halprin said he "can't imagine any reason why" Cochonour's pension shouldn't be safe. Prosecutor Carter said Cochonour's pension is a matter for the Illinois Judicial Retirement System to address.
(in another part of the story)
However, assistant Attorney General Edward Carter, who handled the criminal case for the attorney general's office, said the state's criminal investigation is now "done".
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Very definitely appreciate the Toledo Democrat's abilities to stay on top and give us the inside story of our local news.
I don't quite understand the manipulations to save the pension. This is our tax money, are we getting a double dip here? We lost the money which was to be used for philanthropic (sp?) improvements in our Village, it doesn't look as if it is going to be required to be paid back even though a pension of in excess of $6000 per month will be forthcoming. I need some explanations here by someone who is sharp enough in law to sift thru all this. You know, kinda like Dan Rather or a new comentator after the President's speeches, LOL. No kidding, this is not looking good for the taxpayers in any way shape or form. I wouldn't want to be in the ex-judge's shoes, but after all is said and done, where's the community's money?
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I just heard that Ted Olson passed away yesterday. Sympathies from me and my family are extended to his wife, family, and friends.
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It was a sad day to wake up and see the Mattoon Paper headlines. I do appreciate the former Judge taking a plea bargain. Thus an admission of his guilt. It took more courage to do that than to fight a big fight in court.
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Just want to say Excellant job Toledo Democrat!! Can you believe these names coming out of the wood work to vote? Also one of them at the bottom says "trash" is what this is, Huh, don't read it then!!
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What will happen now? Have you heard that Ted Olsen has passed. It is really sad about this couple and the things they have had to go through this past yr. My prayers go out to his wife and family.
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As I understand it there is somewhere near 900,000.in the estate now and probably more to come. Lets see how the ones who wanted it so badly ,for the community now choose to spend it.Makes me wonder if I want to bother writing a will.
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Thank-You C.I. for allowing us once again for a voice!
Has anyone else noticed how some are so concerned about "reading trash" where the concern should be for the amount of time some have for revenge rather than remorse?
How can people that are guilty of taking (stealing?) money-whether it be from the elderly, Church, Community, or just deleting files accuse others about WRITING factual statements (for the most part) to inform the community?
Does it stand to reason that those that commit crimes wish to remain in the dark? If the EX was innocent then why wouldn't he cooperate, or "attempt" to pay the money back? Or was just another person in need of a "shopping spree"...seems to be going around in this County.
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How do you get Jim Dey's column for Saturday. I tried. Could you please post a link. Thanks.
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Couldn't find the Jim Dey column. Went to Champaign Gazette and couldn't get page 4. Do you have a link you can go to?
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I too wish to congratulate the ex-judge for copping a plea after wasting the court's time for the past months. It mystifies me how this person could tell even his closest friends and family that everything was legal???
Oh well, I just really feel bad for his wife. She is the one who doesn't deserve all this!
Still waiting for the other shoes to drop.
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guess we'll have to change that old quote a little. All that is needed for evil to grow is a way to silence good men every where.
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I believe you have to pay a fee to the Champaign News Gazette to access more in depth articles.
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Jesus was surrounded by good men. But that didn't keep them from lying and betraying him.
I don't know who is condoning what has been done, but let me tell you, you are definitely in the minority in this county!
And for the $900.000.00 that is back in the Estate. Isn't that about half what it was worth in 1985. And for what it's worth, since when did the illegal activities concerning the Estate only happen between 1985 and 1990. Talk about plea agreement. Wow! Sure saved a big pension didn't it. Out of our money too.
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I love the Toledo Democrat On line! Now I purchase a newspaper in the store, get one in the mail, and read it online also! How often will the online one update? Good sources of information to the general public is what freedom is all about!
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Was the X our State's Attorney sometime in the 80's? If so, what were the dates of his term?
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